Sherman's March

by: Cynthia Bass

Bantam Books 1995, 273 pages
ISBN 0-553-37547-4
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The American Civil War is considered by many historians as the transitional war of world history; the last classic style war and the first modern war. Most of this transition was due to the technical advances of the time; the use of the telegraph, introd uction of the machine guy, repeating rifles, and ironclad ships, and the utilization of railroads for rapid troop and supply moves. But in addition to these technical advances, there were changes in strategy as well. Among the most famous of these transitions was William Tecumseh Sherman's March from Atlanta to the Atlantic Ocean. What made Sherman' s March to the Sea new was the way that he handled the civilian community of the South. Sherman ordered his army to burn, take, or render useless anything that could be used for making war. This was to include farm products, housing, supplies, railroads, and industrial facilities. Beside destroying the war making abilities of the Confederacy, Sherman also destroyed the fighting spirit of the civilian population. Cynthia Bass's novel, Sherman's March attempts to capture the thoughts of three character's as they play their part in this "total war". The three characters bring three varied perspectives to this novel. The first perspective is of Sherman himself. The next is of a captain in Sherman's army, Nicholas Whiteman. The last is of a southern widow whose home is in the way of Sherman advancing looting army, Annie Baker.

This novel is told in the first person perspective as it switches from character to character. The transitions are well organized and easy for the reader to follow. There are also connections between the characters and within each character's section. This adds great connectivity to the novel and in turn adds to the readers enjoyment. My overall feeling of the novel was one of enjoyment and easy reading. I feel that Ms. Bass does an admirable job capturing the thoughts and feelings of the time. I al so feel that her work is an overall well told story that flows in a simple and readable fashion. However, I do feel there are some sharp shortcomings to the novel.

Most of my complaints are with my amateur historian hat on. I feel Ms. Bass attempts to throw historical facts in with little purpose to the story being told. She will mention a character's thoughts or speech and randomly throw in a battle or historical concept. This haphazard approach to adding historical perspective does not add to her storytelling ability. I feel she could have done a little more homework on her historical research. She has some questionable conversations and thought patterns betw een some of her main historical characters, especially Sherman. There are a few instances were I doubt that Sherman thought or spoke the way that he did in this novel. One of these instances was when the question of alcohol consumption arose. Ms. Bass has Sherman think about Ulysses Grant and not be certain about his alcohol consumption. Sherman and Grant were very good friends and Sherman knew quite well that Grant had given up alcohol totally by 1864, which is when this novel is set. Sherman should have no doubt in this book about Grant's drinking.

Aside from the few slight historical discrepancies and a few writing notes, I found Ms. Bass's novel an enjoyable read. For those readers looking for a deeply historical or military novel, I would advise to look elsewhere. But anyone just looking for ni ce storytelling set during an exciting historical time, Sherman's March fits the bill.

Review by: Thomas J. Kuegler Jr.
Contributing Editor to Horizon's Magazine
Feel free to e-mail me your feelings about the book or
the subject of the American Civil War in general.
E-mail: kuegler@skyline.net


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